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IDAHO FALLS ~ As wildfire season begins to wind down, the City of Idaho Falls Fire Department is urging residents to remain vigilant during Red Flag Warnings. These warnings, issued by the U.S. National Weather Service, indicate weather conditions that are ideal for wildfires to start and spread quickly. With community awareness and proactive safety measures, we can work together to keep our neighborhoods and natural spaces safe from potentially devastating fires.
According to Fire Marshal Jim Newton, although Idaho Falls may have limited wildland within city limits, the surrounding agricultural and recreational areas can easily ignite and spread field fires. In fact, there have been cases where wildland fires have spread into urban neighborhoods. This is why it is crucial for every citizen to be aware of fire dangers and take necessary precautions.
But what exactly is a Red Flag Warning? It is a public alert that signals extreme fire danger due to weather conditions such as strong winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation. While it does not necessarily mean that a fire is currently burning, it does indicate a high risk for one to start. Even a small spark under these conditions can quickly turn into a major fire.
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During a Red Flag Warning, residents are encouraged to stay informed by checking weather.gov for any current warnings in the area. It is also important to follow all fire restrictions and be aware of activities that could accidentally start a fire.
The City of Idaho Falls Fire Department has provided some tips on how residents can help prevent wildfires:
- Avoid Sparks: Refrain from using outdoor equipment such as lawnmowers, chainsaws or welding tools during Red Flag Warnings as they can easily create sparks.
- Campfire Safety: If you are planning on having a campfire, make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving. This means drowning it with water, stirring the ashes, and repeating until the fire is cool to the touch. Always use designated fire rings equipped with a wire mesh spark arrestor.
- Vehicle Maintenance: It is important to ensure that vehicles and trailers are well maintained. Dragging chains, faulty exhaust systems, or even parking on dry grass can cause sparks that lead to fires. Use rubber hitch covers and avoid off-road driving in dry areas.
- Safe Burning: Follow local regulations for burning debris, adhere to any burn bans, and never burn during windy or dry conditions.
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- Safe Target Shooting: If you enjoy target shooting, it is important to avoid shooting in dry, grassy areas or during Red Flag Warnings. Use non-incendiary ammo and clear the area of vegetation. Avoid using steel-jacketed or steel-core rounds as they can spark when they strike rocks or hard surfaces.
- Safe Smoking Habits: Never discard cigarettes or matches outdoors or from a vehicle. Use a sealed ashtray and ensure smoking materials are fully extinguished.
- Clear Vegetation: Creating a defensible space around your home is crucial in preventing wildfires. This means removing dry leaves, weeds, and other flammable materials within 30 feet of structures. In urban areas, this includes yards, patios, and fences. It is also important to clear gutters of dry leaves and pine needles and maintain a 10-foot buffer between trees and shrubs from roofs and chimneys.
- Avoid Fireworks: Fireworks are extremely dangerous during dry conditions as sparks and embers can travel far and ignite fires in seconds. It is best to leave fireworks to professionals or avoid them altogether during Red Flag Warnings.
By following these tips and staying informed about Red Flag Warnings in the area, we can all do our part in preventing wildfires. Let's work together to keep our community safe from the devastating effects of these natural disasters.
According to Fire Marshal Jim Newton, although Idaho Falls may have limited wildland within city limits, the surrounding agricultural and recreational areas can easily ignite and spread field fires. In fact, there have been cases where wildland fires have spread into urban neighborhoods. This is why it is crucial for every citizen to be aware of fire dangers and take necessary precautions.
But what exactly is a Red Flag Warning? It is a public alert that signals extreme fire danger due to weather conditions such as strong winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation. While it does not necessarily mean that a fire is currently burning, it does indicate a high risk for one to start. Even a small spark under these conditions can quickly turn into a major fire.
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During a Red Flag Warning, residents are encouraged to stay informed by checking weather.gov for any current warnings in the area. It is also important to follow all fire restrictions and be aware of activities that could accidentally start a fire.
The City of Idaho Falls Fire Department has provided some tips on how residents can help prevent wildfires:
- Avoid Sparks: Refrain from using outdoor equipment such as lawnmowers, chainsaws or welding tools during Red Flag Warnings as they can easily create sparks.
- Campfire Safety: If you are planning on having a campfire, make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving. This means drowning it with water, stirring the ashes, and repeating until the fire is cool to the touch. Always use designated fire rings equipped with a wire mesh spark arrestor.
- Vehicle Maintenance: It is important to ensure that vehicles and trailers are well maintained. Dragging chains, faulty exhaust systems, or even parking on dry grass can cause sparks that lead to fires. Use rubber hitch covers and avoid off-road driving in dry areas.
- Safe Burning: Follow local regulations for burning debris, adhere to any burn bans, and never burn during windy or dry conditions.
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- Safe Target Shooting: If you enjoy target shooting, it is important to avoid shooting in dry, grassy areas or during Red Flag Warnings. Use non-incendiary ammo and clear the area of vegetation. Avoid using steel-jacketed or steel-core rounds as they can spark when they strike rocks or hard surfaces.
- Safe Smoking Habits: Never discard cigarettes or matches outdoors or from a vehicle. Use a sealed ashtray and ensure smoking materials are fully extinguished.
- Clear Vegetation: Creating a defensible space around your home is crucial in preventing wildfires. This means removing dry leaves, weeds, and other flammable materials within 30 feet of structures. In urban areas, this includes yards, patios, and fences. It is also important to clear gutters of dry leaves and pine needles and maintain a 10-foot buffer between trees and shrubs from roofs and chimneys.
- Avoid Fireworks: Fireworks are extremely dangerous during dry conditions as sparks and embers can travel far and ignite fires in seconds. It is best to leave fireworks to professionals or avoid them altogether during Red Flag Warnings.
By following these tips and staying informed about Red Flag Warnings in the area, we can all do our part in preventing wildfires. Let's work together to keep our community safe from the devastating effects of these natural disasters.
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